"We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother, Stephen.

"We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more. Stephen was a beautiful person in both body and spirit.

"He lit up our lives and those of the many friends he had all over the world. Our love and sympathy go out to Andrew and Stephen's family. We love you and will miss you forever, 'Steo'."

Boyzone manager Louis Walsh

"I'm in complete shock. I was only with him on Monday at an awards ceremony. We don't know much about what's happened yet.

"I only heard after The X Factor [on Saturday] and we will rally around each other this week. He was a great man."

Westlife

Members of fellow Irish boy band Westlife described Gately as a "friendly, positive spirit and a passionate performer".

"We are, like everyone else, in shock today. We met Stephen Gately back in 1998 when we first started out and since then had the pleasure of meeting him many times.

"Himself and the Boyzone lads paved the way for us as a band.

"Our thoughts are with Andy and the rest of his family, his friends, his legions of fans and of course his bandmates Keith, Mikey, Shane and Ronan who will be devastated at the loss of a truly beautiful person."

Former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern

"The Gatelys are in my own constituency. I know the family, I know Stephen. Ronan Keating is a very good friend of my daughter's, my family.

"He [Gately] was with us the other night with his boyfriend Andy, he came to my book launch.

"It's just such a tragedy. Boyzone and Stephen have all been part of Irish life, and far wider than that, [for] the last 15 years, and so successful, so it's a huge, huge tragedy. It's so sad.

"He was 33 years of age, 15 years at the top, a fine musician. It's just a huge tragedy to Irish entertainment, Irish music and further afield as well."

Radio 1 DJ Fearne Cotton

"What sad sudden news about Stephen Gately. Thoughts go out to his family and friends."

Sir Elton John

"David and I are stunned by this tragedy. Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul. We send our love and condolences to his partner Andy and to all his friends everywhere."

Andrew Lloyd Webber and his wife, Madelaine

"Madeleine and I are shocked and deeply upset by Stephen's untimely death. He was enormously talented and I very much enjoyed working with him on Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat and the Boyzone hit No Matter What.

"Madeleine and I got to know him well over the years, entertaining him at our Sydmonton Festival. His death is a great loss to the musical world."